Metlink public transport fares will increase by 3.1 percent from 15 May, with discounts applied to offpeak fares being reduced from 30 to 20 percent.

The decision to adjust fares follows Greater Wellington’s Annual Fare Review, a policy requirement that ensures public transport fares keep pace with inflation and operating costs. The review helps ensure passengers contribute a balanced and sustainable share toward running and improving the network alongside ratepayers, and other funding partners, including the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).

Greater Wellington Public Transport Committee chair, Cr Ros Connelly, says the decision was carefully considered.

“This was a difficult but necessary call for the Council to make. We have to balance fiscal responsibility and funding constraints with what people can reasonably afford,” says Cr Connelly.

“We know the cost of living is challenging for many households, but we must ensure our fare revenue is sufficient to meet our funding and revenue targets set by NZTA as well as maintain the services people rely on every day.”

From 15 May, the cost of a threezone trip will increase by 14 cents, bringing the peak adult Snapper fare to $4.67 for those travelling to the CBD from Miramar or Karori. For Wairarapa passengers travelling by train from Masterton to Wellington, the fare will rise by 56 cents to $18.50 at peak times.

Cr Connelly says councillors are committed to keeping public transport affordable.

Metlink Senior Manager of Strategy and Investments, Tim Shackleton, noted the need to address a projected revenue shortfall expected to be $3 million for the current financial year.

“Our operating costs continue to grow, and patronage, particularly on rail, remains a challenge. This means the gap is growing between revenue we earn

from fares and the cost to operate public transport services across the region,” Shackleton says.

“We need to address at least some of these costs with fare increases to ensure council costs remain financially sustainable.”

Shackleton says Metlink is also preparing to introduce new contactless payment options for fullfarepaying adults, ahead of the region’s transition to the national ticketing system Motu Move.

Adults will be able to tap on and off Metlink buses and trains using a debit or credit card, smartphone or smartwatch, through the existing Snapper system from 12 April. Once these additional payment options are available, Metlink will start to phase out the use of cash on board buses and trains over the next 12 months.

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